NFD Journal: June 1990 (Vol. 4, No. 2)

Some of the items featured in the June 1990 issue of ‘NFD Journal:

John Rua, a Master Deaf carver, talks about his trip to Japan to present a Pou Pou for Expo 90. This was his first trip out of New Zealand.
A visiting Deaf American, Dr. David Stewart, gives a series of open lectures at Kelston and van Asch, talking about the role of technology in sign language teaching, along with TC issues, role of NZSL in education of deaf people, Deaf Culture issues and mainstreaming.
9 May 1990 was the opening day of McHattie House, the new national headquarters of the New Zealand Association of the Deaf.
The NZ Federation for Deaf Children sponsored a group of deaf students to the Outdoor Pursuits Camp near Turangi.
The North Island Deaf VX plays against the South Island Deaf VX at Haitaitai, Wellington with the South XV winning 17-14. A new national Deaf Rugby Championships involving three 7-a-side teams will play at Palmerston North on 31 March 1991.
Rotorua Deaf Club celebrates its 10th Anniversary, and New Zealand’s first ever Christian Deaf Camp was held in Nelson

NZSL story – Taonga source: Susie Ovens

Switching Between Modes: Total Communication on Stage, NZSL Off

Susie Ovens shares her memories of the well-known Deaf Sign Singers group founded by Dulcie McKie, which used a Total Communication approach. She knew it wasn’t natural signing, and the group would often relax and switch to NZSL during breaks. Still, Susie recalls the performances having a strong impact, especially on hearing audiences who were moved by the group's energy and visual expressions.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

Tony Walton on Building a More Accessible Deaf Aotearoa

Tony reflects on his involvement with the New Zealand Association of the Deaf (now Deaf Aotearoa). In 1989, during the World Deaf Games, New Zealand had only two or three qualified NZSL interpreters – a serious shortage. NZDSA was strongly sign-based, while the NZAD board leaned more oral. After the Games, Tony joined NZAD as a delegate to learn how it worked, eventually becoming President. His focus was on Deaf youth, leading to the creation of Friends of Young Deaf (FYD), better Māori engagement and involvement with more NZSL interpreters. One key goal was to have 13 interpreters nationwide, giving every major town and city access. Interpreter pay and access were limited back then – very different from today.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Shona McGhie

Shona McGhie and the Magic of the Auckland Sign Singers

Shona McGhie reflects on her time with the Auckland Sign Singers, a group that helped raise awareness of Deaf culture and showed what Deaf performers could do. Rehearsals were often held at Dulcie McKie’s home, with support from Mac McKie and Gavin Gibbons. Shona recalls her favourite song and the challenge of remembering over 25 routines. It was a busy time full of travel, performance, and connection, and a chapter she looks back on fondly.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

From New Lynn to Avondale: A Necessary Move

Tony served as President of the New Zealand Association of the Deaf from 1999 to 2003. At the time, the focus was on supporting Deaf youth – not relocating. But when asbestos was discovered in the ceiling of the New Lynn building, with removal costs estimated at $600,000, a major decision had to be made. With support from a funder willing to underwrite the risk, the building was sold and a new location was secured. The Avondale office officially opened in November 1999.

Alastair Appleby

Alastair Appleby

Bruce McHattie

Carol Towers

Celia Trapski

Christine Carr

Eileen McGee

Francis Nglam

George Hiri

Hilary McCormack

Hilary McCormack

Jane Cutt

John Rua

Ken Brain

Kevin Pivac

Linda Prouse

Margaret Coutts

Margaret Coutts

Megan Mansfield

Megan Mansfield

Patrick Thompson

Patrick Thompson

Paul Buzzard

Paula Haworth (Jeeves)

Paula Haworth (Jeeves)

Phonse Carroll

Robert Mowatt

Roy Williams

Vicki Smith

Victoria Manning

Victoria Manning

Relevant Links

National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Taonga source:

National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Reference number:

SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, NFDJ1990-4-2-MJN

Copyright status:

This work is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Note:

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